The Oklahoma Bar Journal October 2025

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

ENDNOTES

10. 8 USC §1158. 11. Madeline Blesi, “Stuck in Limbo: How a Circuit Split in Immigration Proceedings Creates Uncertainty Among Those Applying for Asylum,” U. Cin. L. Rev. Blog (March 4, 2022), https://bit.ly/45NxUQI. 12. “Warning Signs of Abuse,” Hubbard House, https://bit.ly/4pvQfcK (last visited Feb. 18, 2025). 13. Leslye E. Orloff et al. , “Transforming Lives: Helping Survivors of Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Obtain Work Authorization and Economic Independence,” Nat’l Immigrant Women’s Advoc. Project 2 (June 8, 2021), https://bit.ly/4naQjgc.

1. H.R. REP. NO. 103-395, p. 25 (1993). 2. TVAP, https://bit.ly/3K2K4fZ; 146 Cong. Rec. H9030 (2000). 3. “Types of Abuse,” Women Against Abuse, https://bit.ly/4g1i9cm. 4. Tara Davis, Directorate of Prevention, Resilience and Readiness: “Breaking the Cycle: Understanding Domestic Violence and Intergenerational Violence,” Oct. 23, 2023, https://bit.ly/47uIyxb. 5. Xie M, Baumer EP. “Immigrant Status, Citizenship, and Victimization Risk in the United States: New Findings from the National Crime Victimization Survey (NCVS),” Criminology , 2021 November; 59(4):610-644. doi: 10.1111/1745 9125.12278. Epub 2021 Jul 28. PMID: 35177865; PMCID: PMC8849556. Abstract available at https://bit.ly/4mDb2JC. 6. 8 USC §1101 (a)(51). 7. 8 CFR 214.14.

Originally from Mutual in western Oklahoma, attorney Lorena Rivas is the proud daughter of two Mexican nationals

whose dedication inspired a lifelong commitment to serve and represent immigrant communities. As the CEO of Rivas & Associates, a nationally recognized immigration law firm with offices in Oklahoma City and Tulsa serving immigrants across the U.S., Ms. Rivas is committed to ensuring her clients receive high-quality, compassionate legal representation.

8. 8 CFR 214.202. 9. 8 CFR 204.11.

Statements or opinions expressed in the Oklahoma Bar Journal are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect those of the Oklahoma Bar Association, its officers, Board of Governors, Board of Editors or staff.

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THE OKLAHOMA BAR JOURNAL